Hatem Ben Arfa ready to put his six-month nightmare behind him

Hatem Ben Arfa is ready to finally resume his football career – after six months on the sidelines.

The former Newcastle United forward signed for Nice in January – but was barred from playing for the club.

The 28-year-old couldn’t turn out in Ligue 1 as he had played competitive games for Newcastle’s Under-21s and loan club Hull City in the first half of the campaign.

Ben Arfa was released by United after his loan at the KC Stadium was terminated.

While a player can be registered for three clubs over the course of a season, he can only play “official matches” for two under FIFA regulations, and his lone outing for Newcastle’s Under-21s prevented him playing for Nice.

And the France international is now looking to quickly recover his fitness under the guidence of Nice coach Claude Puel, who has thanked Ben Arfa for his “patience”.

Puel said: “It is good to see Hatem – I have found him sharp. I thank him for being patient to join us.”